Post by : Shakul

Thailand has intensified efforts to tackle rising air pollution and wildfire impacts in Kanchanaburi Province, as senior officials visited affected areas to assess the situation and implement urgent measures.

Deputy Minister of Education Akranan Kankittinant and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Piyarat Tiyapairat led the field visit to monitor the effects of forest fires, haze, and PM2.5 pollution, particularly in areas impacting schools and local communities.

The officials visited key educational institutions, including Daruna Kanchanaburi School and Wisuthrangsi School, where concerns have grown due to the direct impact of air pollution on students, especially children and vulnerable groups.

Authorities reported that between October 2025 and April 2026, the province recorded over 11,000 wildfire hotspots, with the highest concentration in districts such as Si Sawat, Thong Pha Phum, and Sai Yok. This has significantly worsened air quality and increased health risks for residents.

The Ministry of Education has coordinated with the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation to accelerate cloud seeding and weather modification operations. These efforts aim to reduce particulate matter levels, control haze, and limit the spread of wildfires.

Officials also emphasized awareness campaigns to reduce agricultural burning, encouraging schools and surrounding communities to adopt safer environmental practices and prevent further pollution.

The government has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation using satellite data and enforcing stricter regulations to control fire outbreaks, while also creating safe zones to protect public health and restore normal air quality conditions.

In a notable move, the Deputy Minister of Education announced his willingness to donate his personal salary to install CCTV systems in high-risk school areas, aiming to improve monitoring and prevent future wildfire incidents.

#Thailand News #Environment #Health #Manitoba government